Telephone base station for combining mobile and terrestrial telephone service

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a system includes a base station wirelessly connected to a first handset and a second handset, the base station including a first communication port configured to create a wireless connection to a first mobile telephone and a second mobile telephone via Bluetooth, where the first mobile telephone uses a first mobile telephone network and the second mobile telephone uses a second mobile telephone network.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/698,005, filed Feb. 1, 2010, and which is herein incorporated byreference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,005 claims priorityto U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/149,644, filed Feb. 3,2009, and which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for sending and/or receivingincoming and/or outgoing mobile-based and terrestrial-based telephonecalls on a single user interface device.

BACKGROUND

Current mobile phone devices do not have the ability to connect tolandline or terrestrial-based telephone systems without first traversingthe mobile phone network. Similarly, terrestrial-based (e.g.,“land-line” or “hard line”) telephones do not have the ability toconnect to a mobile phone network. Accordingly, the advantages of mobilephone devices and their accompanying features and service plans may notbe used with terrestrial-based telephones, such as prepaid or includedlong distance, free mobile-to-mobile calling, rollover minutes, etc.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a system includes a base station wirelesslyconnected to a first handset and a second handset, the base stationincluding a first communication port configured to create a wirelessconnection to a first mobile telephone and a second mobile telephone viaBluetooth, where the first mobile telephone uses a first mobiletelephone network and the second mobile telephone uses a second mobiletelephone network; a second communication port configured to create aterrestrial telephone connection to a first telephone network; aprocessing circuit coupled to the first communication port and thesecond communication port; and a display; wherein the base station isconfigured to provide voice communications between the first handset andthe second handset without using the first mobile telephone network, thesecond mobile telephone network, or the first telephone network; whereinthe base station retrieves a first contact list from the first mobiletelephone and a second contact list from the second mobile telephone,and sends information from the first contact list and the second contactlist to a memory of the first handset and the second handset; whereinthe base station is configured to receive a first incoming call via thefirst communication port, and send the first incoming call to one ormore of the first handset and the second handset; wherein the basestation is configured to receive a second incoming call via the secondcommunication port, and send the second incoming call to one or more ofthe first handset and the second handset; wherein the base station isconfigured to receive a request to place an outgoing call from the firsthandset or the second handset, determine whether the outgoing call is tobe sent via the first mobile telephone network, the second mobiletelephone network, or the first telephone network, based on one or morefactors, and select one of the first mobile telephone network, thesecond mobile telephone network, or the first telephone network forsending the outgoing call; wherein the base station receives the firstincoming call via the first mobile telephone, determines a wirelessproximity of the first mobile telephone to the base station, and sendsthe first incoming call to one or more of the first handset and thesecond handset, only when the wireless proximity of the first mobiletelephone is within a predetermined wireless proximity to the basestation.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as illustrative modes of use, reference should bemade to the following detailed description read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a system for sending and receiving telephone calls,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts an environment in which the system according to anyembodiment may be used, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a method, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method, according to one embodiment.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described in furtherdetail below with reference to the figures, in which like items arenumbered the same in the several figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following paragraphs describe certain features and combinations offeatures that can be used in connection with each of the methods of theinvention and embodiments, as generally described below. Also,particular features described hereinafter can be used in combinationwith other described features in each of the various possiblecombinations and permutations. As such, the invention is not limited tothe specifically described embodiments.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation and scope including one or moremeanings implied from the specification as well as one or more meaningsunderstood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined indictionaries, treatises, etc.

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the claimed invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless otherwise specified.

According to one general embodiment, a system for placing and receivingtelephone calls includes a telephone base station which comprises afirst communication port for creating a terrestrial telephone connectionfor at least placing terrestrial telephone calls using a first telephonenetwork, a second communication port for creating a link to a mobiletelephone for at least placing mobile telephone calls using a secondtelephone network, a third communication port for creating a link to aterrestrial telephone, and a processor.

In another general embodiment, a system for placing and receivingtelephone calls includes a telephone base station which comprises afirst communication port for creating a terrestrial telephone connectionfor at least placing terrestrial telephone calls using a first telephonenetwork, a second communication port for creating a link to a mobiletelephone for at least placing mobile telephone calls using a secondtelephone network and a processor. The system also includes at least onehandset linked to the telephone base station for telephonecommunications.

A system for placing and receiving telephone calls, according to anothergeneral embodiment, includes a telephone base station which comprises afirst communication port for creating a terrestrial telephone connectionfor at least placing terrestrial telephone calls using a first telephonenetwork, a second communication port for creating a mobile telephoneconnection for at least placing mobile telephone calls using a secondtelephone network, a third communication port for creating a link to aterrestrial telephone, and a processor, wherein the processor determineswhether to send an outgoing telephone call via the terrestrial telephoneconnection or via the mobile telephone connection.

In another general embodiment, a system for placing and receivingtelephone calls includes a telephone base station which comprises afirst communication port for creating a terrestrial telephone connectionfor at least placing terrestrial telephone calls using a first telephonenetwork, a second communication port for creating a mobile telephoneconnection for at least placing mobile telephone calls using a secondtelephone network, and a processor, wherein the processor determineswhether to send an outgoing telephone call via the terrestrial telephoneconnection or via the mobile telephone connection. The system alsoincludes at least one handset linked to the telephone base station fortelephone communications.

A method for placing and receiving telephone calls, according to onegeneral embodiment, includes establishing a first connection to aterrestrial telephone network, establishing a second connection to aterrestrial telephone, and establishing a link to a mobile telephone.

In another general embodiment, a method for placing and receivingtelephone calls includes establishing a first connection to aterrestrial telephone network, establishing a second connection to aterrestrial telephone, and establishing a third connection to a mobiletelephone network.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for placing and/or receivingtelephone calls is described according to one embodiment. The system 100includes a telephone base station 102. The telephone base station 102includes a first communication port (COM1) for creating a terrestrialtelephone connection 106 for placing and/or receiving terrestrialtelephone calls using a first telephone network (PSTN) 104. Thetelephone base station 102 also includes a second communication port(COM2) for creating a link to a mobile telephone 112 for placing and/orreceiving mobile telephone calls using a second telephone network(Mobile Network) 118. The telephone base station 102 may be linked tothe mobile telephone 112 via a hardwired connection 116 or via awireless connection 114. The telephone base station 102 also includes athird communication port (COM3) for creating a link 110 to a terrestrialtelephone 108. Further, the telephone base station 102 includes aprocessor (not shown). A processor may be any processing circuit, suchas a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU),etc. The mobile telephone 112 may be connected to the Mobile Network 118via a wireless connection 120.

Although the base station 102 is described with multiple ports, thefunctionality of multiple ports may be combined in a singlecommunication port and/or arranged in a different manner, such ascombining the functionality of two or more ports into a single port,having multiple ports performing similar functionality, such that morethan one mobile telephone 112 may be connected to the telephone basestation 102. In addition, more than one terrestrial telephone 108 may beconnected to the telephone base station 102 such that all or someterrestrial telephones 108 in an entire home, business, etc., may beconnected to the telephone base station 102.

Generally, the wireless connection 120 may be any type as is known toone of skill in the relevant art, such as 3G, 2G, CDMA, GSM, etc., andmay generally be dependent on the type of mobile phone 112 and theMobile Network provider, such as AT&T Wireless®, Verizon®, Sprint®,T-Mobile®, Metro PCS®, etc.

In some embodiments, the processor may determine if an outgoing call islocal or long distance. A local call may be considered any telephonecall which is destined for the same area code as the area code where thecall is being placed, a call for which no additional toll is assessed,calls to telephone numbers not designated as long distance numbers, etc.A long distance call may be considered any call to an area codedifferent from the originating area code, a call for which a toll isassessed, calls to telephone numbers designated as long distancenumbers, etc. Additionally, the processor may cause an outgoing longdistance call to be placed via the mobile telephone link 114, 116 andmay cause an outgoing local call to be placed via the terrestrialtelephone connection 106. For convenience, incoming calls may be passedto the terrestrial telephone 108, and outgoing calls may be generatedfrom the terrestrial telephone 108. However, incoming and outgoing callsmay also be received and sent, respectively, from the mobile telephone112, or both 108, 112.

In more embodiments, the base station 102 may receive and pass anincoming telephone call received by the mobile telephone 112 to thethird communication port (COM3). In this fashion, an incoming callreceived by the mobile telephone 112 may be answered on a differenthandset than the mobile telephone, thereby allowing for use of a moreconvenient handset, e.g., the handset on a terrestrial telephone. Sincemost homeowners who receive terrestrial telephone service haveterrestrial handsets (e.g., home telephones) dispersed throughout thehome in convenient locations, it is generally easier to answer any ofthe home telephones rather than locating, answering, and conducting aconversation on a single mobile telephone 112, which may be in a pocket,in another room, plugged in for charging, in a bag or backpack, etc.

The base station 102, according to some embodiments, may recognize whenthe mobile telephone 112 is within about 100 feet of the base station102. This way, the base station 102 may ring when an incoming telephonecall is received, and additionally the mobile telephone 112 may not ringwhen it is within about 100 feet of the base station 102. Of course, themobile telephone 112 may also recognize when it is within a certaindistance from the base station 102. Also, the distance may be greater orless than 100 feet, and this distance is only exemplary. Other distancesmay be recognized as well, such as 3 feet, 10 feet, 50 feet, 200 feet,etc. Also, the telephone base station 102 may ring all phones when anincoming call is received, or may ring only the last type of phone used,or may ring a predetermined handset, etc.

In some more embodiments, the base station 102 may recognize when a link114, 116 to the mobile telephone 112 has been established. In this way,the base station may recognize when to pass an incoming call from themobile telephone 112 to a terrestrial telephone 108, and/or an outgoingcall form the terrestrial telephone 108 to the mobile telephone 112. Forexample, if the mobile telephone 112 is not linked to the base station102, then presumably the link to the mobile phone network is notavailable and the phone call may be placed using the terrestrialtelephone connection 106.

In some embodiments, the hardwired link 116 to the mobile telephone 112may be via USB, Firewire, serial connection, Ethernet, HDMI, dock ordocking station, etc. Any connection as would be known to one of skillin the relevant art that uses a physical connection to the mobiletelephone 112 may be used. Moreover, the path of the hardwired link 116to the mobile telephone 112 may include additional hardware such as anuplink, charging station, etc.

Also, according to some embodiments, the wireless link 114 to the mobiletelephone 112 may be via Bluetooth, IR, RF, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN,etc. Any connection as would be known to one of skill in the relevantart that does not require a physical connection to the mobile telephone112 may be used. Additionally, one or both of the hardwired 116 andwireless 114 links may be used at any one given time. Moreover, the pathof the wireless link 114 to the mobile telephone 112 may includeadditional hardware such as a wireless router, uplink, partial wiredconnection (e.g., a cable from the base station 102 to a wirelessrouter), etc.

In more approaches, the base station 102 may include a display (notshown) which may include call related information, such as, but notlimited to, the telephone number dialed or received, a name associatedwith the telephone number, a picture associated with the telephonenumber, length of call, time of call, cost of call, time of day, lineused, date, Caller ID, etc.

Now referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the system 200 forsending and receiving telephone calls is shown. Any of the previousdescriptions of FIG. 1, along with any objects, signals, features, etc.used in FIG. 1, may be included in the description of FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, the base station 102 is shown including additionalconnections to two handsets 122. The handsets 122 may be connected via ahardwire connection 110 and/or via a wireless connection 124. Any typeof hardwired and/or wireless connection may be used as would be known toone of ordinary skill in the relevant art, including those typespreviously discussed in the description of FIG. 1. Of course, more orless handsets 122 may be linked to the base station 102, such as 1, 3,4, 10, etc. handsets 122. Each handset may be used to receive incomingcalls and place outgoing calls on the first network (PSTN) 104 and/orthe second network (Mobile Network) 118.

In some embodiments, one or more handsets 122 may have access to theterrestrial telephone connection 106 and the mobile telephone link 114,116 for sending and receiving calls. Furthermore, one or more handsets122 may ring when an incoming call is received via the mobile telephonelink 114, 116. Also, the incoming call received via the mobile telephonelink 114, 116 may be passed to the one or more handsets 122.

In more embodiments, one or more handsets 122 may ring when an incomingcall is received via the terrestrial telephone connection 106.Additionally, the incoming call received via the terrestrial telephoneconnection 106 may be passed to the one or more handsets 122, as well asthe mobile phone 112.

In some embodiments, each handset 122 may include features such as arechargeable battery, a display for showing information (such as callinformation, phone numbers, contact details, battery life left, signalstrength, etc.) buttons for dialing numbers and entering alphanumericcharacters, an antenna for linking to the base station 102, acommunication port for hardwired connection to the base station 102, aheadphone jack, Bluetooth capability, USB connection, microphone,speaker, etc.

One or more of the handsets 122, according to one embodiment, may alsobe able to communicate to one another (directly or through the basestation 102) without using either the first network 104 or the secondnetwork 118. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of the handsets 122may include a memory and a processor. The memory may be used to storeincoming and outgoing call lists, contact numbers and details (such aswould be found in a contact list in Microsoft Outlook®, on a mobiletelephone, in an address book, etc.), caller ID information, etc.

Now referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the system 300 forsending and receiving telephone calls is shown. Any of the previousdescriptions of FIGS. 1 and 2, along with any objects, signals,features, etc. used in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be included in the descriptionof FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 includes a base station 102 which includes an additionalconnection port (COM4) that allows communication with a computer 126 viaa link 128, 130. In some embodiments, the hardwired link 128 to thecomputer 126 may be via USB, Firewire, serial connection, Ethernet,HDMI, dock or docking station, etc. Any connection as would be known toone of skill in the relevant art that uses a physical connection to thecomputer 126 may be used. Moreover, the path of the hardwired link 128to the computer 126 may include additional hardware such as an uplink,router, etc.

Although the base station 102 is described with multiple ports, thefunctionality of multiple ports may be combined in a singlecommunication port and/or arranged in a different manner.

Also, according to some embodiments, the wireless link 130 to thecomputer 126 may be via Bluetooth, IR, RF, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN,etc. Any connection as would be known to one of skill in the relevantart that does not require a physical connection to the computer 126 maybe used. Additionally, one or both of the hardwired 128 and wireless 130links may be used at any one given time. Moreover, the path of thewireless link 130 to the computer 126 may include additional hardwaresuch as a wireless router, uplink, partial wired connection (e.g., acable from the base station 102 to a wireless router), etc.

In a further embodiment, the mobile telephone 132 may connect to thebase station 102 via the computer 126, regardless of the presence orabsence of links 114, 116. In some approaches, the mobile telephone 132may communicate with the computer 126 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, serialcable, etc. The computer 126 in turn relays the call information to andfrom the base station 102.

According to some embodiments, data may be exchanged between thecomputer 126 and the base station 102. Additionally, data may beexchanged between the computer 126 and the mobile telephone 132. Also,data may be exchanged between the mobile telephone 132 and the basestation 102. If any handsets are connected to the base station, data maybe exchanged with any of the handsets as well.

In further approaches, the data which may be exchanged includes any dataas would be known to one of skill in the relevant art, such as acalendar file and/or portions thereof, a contact list and/or portionsthereof, a music file, a video file, etc. In one preferred embodiment,the mobile telephone 132, the base station 102, and the computer 126 maysynchronize a contact list stored on each device, such that when acontact is edited, deleted, or added on any one device, the change maybe reflected on all the devices. Of course, a user may be able to selectwhich changes are reflected, on which devices, and any other details ofthe synchronization, such as a regular synchronization schedule,archiving, sharing incoming and outgoing call lists, etc.

Also, in some embodiments, the computer 126 may be connected to theInternet 134. The connection may be via a hardwired connection 140and/or a wireless connection 138, either of which may include additionalhardware such as a modem, router, etc. In some more embodiments, themobile telephone 132 may be connected to the Internet 134 via a wirelessconnection 136. The computer 126 and the mobile telephone 132 may beable to share web browser settings, such as favorites, visited sites,cookies, etc. Also, the mobile telephone 132, when linked to the basestation 102, may be able to access the Internet 134 via the link to thecomputer 126 through the base station 102. This is useful when thecomputer 126 has a faster connection 138, 140 to the Internet 134 thandoes the mobile telephone 132, thereby allowing a user to use thisfaster connection even when accessing the Internet 134 on the mobiletelephone 132.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a system 400 for sending and receivingtelephone calls is shown according to another embodiment. Any of theprevious descriptions of FIGS. 1-3, along with any objects, signals,features, etc. used in FIGS. 1-3, may be included in the description ofFIG. 4.

In this embodiment, the system 400 includes a base station 146 which mayinclude a handset for placing and/or receiving telephone calls. The basestation 146 includes a first communication port (COM1) for creating aterrestrial telephone connection 106 for placing and/or receivingterrestrial telephone calls using a first telephone network (PSTN) 104.The base station 146 also includes a second communication port (COM2)for creating a mobile telephone connection 142 for placing and/orreceiving mobile telephone calls using a second telephone network(Mobile Network) 118. Additionally, the base station 146 includes aprocessor (not shown). A processor may be any processing circuit, suchas a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU),etc. The processor determines whether to send an outgoing telephone callvia the terrestrial telephone connection 106 or via the mobile telephoneconnection 142.

Although the base station 146 is described with multiple ports, thefunctionality of multiple ports may be combined in a singlecommunication port and/or arranged in a different manner.

The unique feature of the system 400 in this embodiment in contrast tothe previously described embodiments is that the system 400 connects toa second network (Mobile Network) 118 without the use of a separatemobile telephone. Therefore, the base station 146 may include aSubscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and electronics capable ofacquiring a connection to a Mobile Network 118. Also, a service providermay provide service to the base station 146 as would be provided to anyother mobile telephone. Thus, phone calls may also be received directlyby the base station 146 via the mobile telephone connection 142.

Also, according to some embodiments, the base station 146 may include adisplay for showing information (such as call information, phonenumbers, contact details, battery life left, signal strength, handset122 availability, etc.) buttons for dialing numbers and enteringalphanumeric characters, an antenna for linking to the handsets 122, anantenna for connecting to the second network (Mobile Network) 118, acommunication port for hardwired connection to the first network (PSTN)104, a headphone jack, Bluetooth capability, etc.

In some embodiments, the base station 146 or 102 may determine whetherto connect an outgoing call via the mobile telephone connection 142 or114, or the terrestrial telephone connection 106 based on factors. Thefactors on which this decision may be based include any of thefollowing: an availability of the mobile telephone connection 142, anavailability of the terrestrial telephone connection 106, a type ofoutgoing call, a cost of placing the outgoing call on the mobiletelephone network 118, a cost of placing the outgoing call on theterrestrial telephone network 104, a quality of connection via themobile telephone network 118, a quality of connection via theterrestrial telephone network 106, a number of minutes remaining on amobile telephone account, etc. Of course, many more factors would beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and may be usedto determine which connection to use to send an outgoing call.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a system 500 for sending and receivingtelephone calls is shown according to another embodiment. Any of theprevious descriptions of FIGS. 1-4, along with any objects, signals,features, etc. used in FIGS. 1-4, may be included in the description ofFIG. 5.

In this embodiment, the system 500 for sending and receiving telephonecalls includes a base station 102 which includes a first communicationport (COM1) for creating a terrestrial telephone connection 106 forplacing and/or receiving terrestrial telephone calls using a firsttelephone network (PSTN) 104. The base station 102 also includes asecond communication port (COM2) for creating a mobile telephoneconnection 142 for placing and/or receiving mobile telephone calls usinga second telephone network (Mobile Network) 118. Additionally, the basestation 102 includes a third communication port (COM3) for creating alink 110 to a terrestrial telephone 108, and a processor (not shown). Aprocessor may be any processing circuit, such as a microprocessor,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gatearray (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), etc. The processor maydetermine whether to send an outgoing telephone call via the terrestrialtelephone connection 106 or via the mobile telephone connection 142.

In some embodiments, the base station 102 may further include a fourthcommunication port (COM4) for creating a link 128, 130 to a computer126. The link may be hardwired 128 or wireless 130, as would be known toone of skill in the art. The computer 126 may be connected to theInternet 134 via a connection 138, 140. The connection may be hardwired128 or wireless 130, as would be known to one of skill in the art.

In preferred embodiments, data may be exchanged between some or all ofthe devices connected to or linked with the system 500, including thecomputer 126, the mobile telephone 132, and the base station 102. Thetype of data and circumstances for exchanging data has been previouslydiscussed, and apply here as well.

Also, in some embodiments, the base station 102 may include a fifthcommunication port (COM5) for creating a link 114, 116 to a mobiletelephone 132, wherein the base station 102 recognizes when the link114, 116 to the mobile telephone 132 has been established. Also, thebase station 102 may recognize when the mobile telephone 132 is withinabout 100 feet of the base station 102. Of course, any distance may beset from which the base station 102 may determine a proximity of themobile telephone 132, and the embodiment is not meant to be limited to100 feet only. Other distances may be detected as well, such as 5 feet,10 feet, 20 feet, 50 feet, within the confines of a building (such as ahome, business, office, etc.), within range of the antenna on the basestation 102, etc.

Although the base station 102 is described with multiple ports, thefunctionality of multiple ports may be combined in a singlecommunication port and/or arranged in a different manner.

According to some embodiments, the base station 102 may receive and passan incoming telephone call received via the mobile telephone connection142 to the third communication port (COM3), such that the incomingtelephone call may be answered on the terrestrial telephone 108.

As previously discussed, any of the links and connections may be via anytechnology as would be known to one of skill in the art, such asBluetooth, USB, Firewire, IR, RF, Ethernet, serial connection, Wi-Fi,WWAN, WLAN, etc.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a system 600 for sending and receivingtelephone calls is shown according to another embodiment. Any of theprevious descriptions of FIGS. 1-5, along with any objects, signals,features, etc. used in FIGS. 1-5, may be included in the description ofFIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, the system 600 for sending and receiving telephone callsincludes a base station 146 which includes a first communication port(COM1) for creating a terrestrial telephone connection 106 for placingand/or receiving terrestrial telephone calls using a first telephonenetwork (PSTN) 104. The base station 146 also includes a secondcommunication port (COM2) for creating a mobile telephone connection 142for placing and/or receiving mobile telephone calls using a secondtelephone network (Mobile Network) 118. Additionally, the base station146 includes a third communication port (COM3) for creating a link 110to a terrestrial telephone 108, and a processor (not shown). A processormay be any processing circuit, such as a microprocessor,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gatearray (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), etc. The processordetermines whether to send an outgoing telephone call via theterrestrial telephone connection 106 or via the mobile telephoneconnection 142. The system 600 also includes at least one handset 122linked to the telephone base station 146 for telephone communications,via a hardwired link 110 and/or a wireless link 124.

In some embodiments, the base station 146 may further include a fourthcommunication port (COM4) for creating a link 128, 130 to a computer126. The link may be hardwired 128 or wireless 130, as would be known toone of skill in the art. The computer 126 may be connected to theInternet 134 via a connection 138, 140. The connection may be hardwired128 or wireless 130, as would be known to one of skill in the art.

Also, in some embodiments, the base station 146 may include a fifthcommunication port (COM5) for creating a link 114, 116 to a mobiletelephone 132, wherein the base station 146 recognizes when the link114, 116 to the mobile telephone 132 has been established.

Although the base station 146 is described with multiple ports, thefunctionality of multiple ports may be combined in a singlecommunication port and/or arranged in a different manner.

Also, according to some embodiments, the telephone base station 146 mayinclude a single telephone number for receiving incoming telephone callsvia the mobile telephone connection 142 and the terrestrial telephoneconnection 106. For example, the mobile telephone 132 and the basestation may both receive an incoming call when a telephone number isdialed. In some further embodiments, the base station 146 may determinewhether to ring the mobile telephone 132 based on a proximity of themobile telephone 132. In still more embodiments, the base station mayring one or more handsets 122 only if the mobile telephone is within acertain proximity of the base station 146, and may ring only the mobiletelephone 132 if the mobile telephone is not within a certain proximity.Also, voice mail may be available on the mobile telephone 132 and thebase station 146 and each handset 122.

In yet other embodiments, which may have similar features as those inother embodiments presented herein, there is no connection to a landline, or the connection is optional. In the latter case, for example, aCOM port may be provided on the base station for optional connection toa terrestrial telephone connection if one is available. Accordingly,voice communication, and optionally data communication, may all gothrough the mobile network, or selectively through the mobile networkand another non-PSTN network such as the internet, Wi-Fi network, etc.

In further embodiments, which may have similar features as those inother embodiments presented herein, the base station may select one of amobile network connection and a voice over internet protocol (VOIP)connection to place a given call based on factors similar to thosepresented above.

In yet further embodiments, which may have similar features as those inother embodiments presented herein, the base station may select one of aterrestrial telephone connection, a mobile network connection, and avoice over internet protocol (VOIP) connection to place a given callbased on factors similar to those presented above.

In additional embodiments, the system may connect to a satellite networkfor voice and/or data communication.

In some embodiments, other devices such as facsimile machines, answeringmachines, security systems, etc. may be connected to the system. Fordevices that may not function properly over a mobile network, such assome facsimile machines, the system may send data signals from suchdevices to the terrestrial telephone connection.

In another approach, the system may determine whether a desired networkis available, and if it is not, then an available network is selected.This may be particularly useful in areas where a mobile tower cannothandle all connection requests coming to it.

With reference to FIG. 7, an environment 200 in which a system forsending and receiving telephone calls may be used is shown according toone embodiment. The system may be present at any of the nodes or alongany of the communication links presented therein except the satellites204. A mobile phone 202, such as a mobile phone according to one of theembodiments described herein, may connect to a telephone network 205 forcommunication with other mobile and terrestrial devices. The mobilephone 202 may also connect to a server computer or switch, referred tohereinafter as server computer 210, through any number of hardwiredlinks 214 and/or wireless links 212, 218. Generally, the mobile phone202 connects to a local tower 206 through a wireless connection 218, andthe tower 206 connects to the telephone network 205 and/or servercomputer 210. Additionally, the mobile phone 202 may connect to theinternet 208 through a connection with the tower 206 and/or a servercomputer 210. The internet 208 may also provide a link from the mobilephone 202 to other servers or computers 220 through wireless links 212and/or hardwired links 214. The mobile phone 202 may also connect viawireless links 216 to one or more satellites 204 for communication(e.g., satellite telephony) and/or location functionality (e.g., viaglobal positioning service (GPS), etc.). In some embodiments, the mobilephone 202 may connect to the internet via a hardwired and/or otherwireless link, e.g., WiFi connection, Bluetooth, etc. The programenvironment in which a present embodiment of the invention may beexecuted illustratively incorporates one or more general-purposecomputers or special-purpose devices. Details of such devices (e.g.,processor, memory, data storage, input and/or output devices) are wellknown and are omitted for the sake of clarity.

Now referring to FIG. 8, a method 800 is shown according to oneembodiment. The method 800 may be carried out in any desiredenvironment, including but not limited to the environment shown in FIG.7.

In operation 802, a first connection to a terrestrial telephone networkis established. For example, a link may be established by plugging intoa phone jack located near a baseboard in a residential home which isreceiving telephone service from a local telephone provider.

In operation 804, a second connection to a terrestrial telephone isestablished. For example, a cordless or corded telephone may beconnected, such that the telephone is capable of accessing theterrestrial telephone network. This may also include activating orenergizing a handset built into the base station, as shown in FIG. 4.

In operation 806, a link to a mobile telephone is established. Forexample, a hardwired or wireless link may be established, such as a linkvia Bluetooth, USB, Firewire, IR, RF, Ethernet, serial connection,Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN, etc.

In some embodiments, the method 800 may further comprise receiving anincoming call via the terrestrial telephone connection, receiving anincoming call via the mobile telephone link, placing an outgoing callvia the terrestrial telephone connection, and/or placing an outgoingcall via the mobile telephone link.

In some preferred embodiments, the method 800 may further comprisedetermining if an outgoing call is local or long distance. Then, theoutgoing call may be sent via the mobile telephone link if the outgoingcall is long distance. Also, the outgoing call may be sent via theterrestrial telephone connection if the outgoing call is local.

Additionally, the determination of whether to send an outgoing call viathe mobile telephone link or the terrestrial telephone connection may bebased on factors. The factors may include one or more of the following:an availability of the mobile telephone link, an availability of theterrestrial telephone connection, a type of outgoing call, a cost ofplacing the outgoing call on the mobile telephone network, a cost ofplacing the outgoing call on the terrestrial telephone network, aquality of connection via the mobile telephone network, a quality ofconnection via the terrestrial telephone network, and a number ofminutes remaining on a mobile telephone account.

The method 800 may also include passing an incoming call received viathe terrestrial telephone connection from a base station to at least onehandset for telephone communications and/or passing an incoming callreceived via the mobile telephone link from a base station to at leastone handset for telephone communications. Of course, the method 800 mayinclude providing at least one handset, wherein the at least one handsethas access to the terrestrial telephone connection and the mobiletelephone link. In these embodiments, the at least one handset may ringwhen an incoming call is received via the mobile telephone link and/orwhen an incoming call is received via the terrestrial telephoneconnection.

In some more embodiments, the terrestrial telephone may ring when anincoming call is received on the terrestrial telephone connection and/orwhen an incoming call is received on the mobile telephone link.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a method 900 is shown according to oneembodiment. The method 900 may be carried out in any desiredenvironment, including but not limited to the environment shown in FIG.7.

In operation 902, a first connection to a terrestrial telephone networkis established. For example, a link may be established by plugging intoa phone jack located near a baseboard in a residential home which isreceiving telephone service from a local telephone provider.

In operation 904, a second connection to a terrestrial telephone isestablished. For example, a cordless or corded telephone may beconnected, such that the telephone is capable of accessing theterrestrial telephone network. This may also include activating orenergizing a handset built into the base station, as shown in FIG. 4.

In operation 906, a third connection to a mobile telephone network isestablished. For example, a wireless link may be established, such as alink via Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, WWAN, WLAN, 2 G, 3G, GSM, CDMA, etc.

In some embodiments, the method 900 may further comprise receiving anincoming call via the terrestrial telephone connection, receiving anincoming call via the mobile telephone connection, placing an outgoingcall via the terrestrial telephone connection, and/or placing anoutgoing call via the mobile telephone connection.

In some preferred embodiments, the method 900 may further comprisedetermining if an outgoing call is local or long distance. Then, theoutgoing call may be sent via the mobile telephone connection if theoutgoing call is long distance. Also, the outgoing call may be sent viathe terrestrial telephone connection if the outgoing call is local.

Additionally, the determination of whether to send an outgoing call viathe mobile telephone connection or the terrestrial telephone connectionmay be based on factors. The factors may include one or more of thefollowing: an availability of the mobile telephone connection, anavailability of the terrestrial telephone connection, a type of outgoingcall, a cost of placing the outgoing call on the mobile telephonenetwork, a cost of placing the outgoing call on the terrestrialtelephone network, a quality of connection via the mobile telephonenetwork, a quality of connection via the terrestrial telephone network,and a number of minutes remaining on a mobile telephone account.

The method 900 may also include passing an incoming call received viathe terrestrial telephone connection from a base station to at least onehandset for telephone communications and/or passing an incoming callreceived via the mobile telephone connection from a base station to atleast one handset for telephone communications. Of course, the method900 may include providing at least one handset, wherein the at least onehandset has access to the terrestrial telephone connection and themobile telephone connection. In these embodiments, the at least onehandset may ring when an incoming call is received via the mobiletelephone connection and/or when an incoming call is received via theterrestrial telephone connection.

Preferably, the methods 800, 900 are performed using a single hardwaredevice such as the aforementioned base station. Alternatively, themethods may be performed using multiple pieces of hardware that are incommunication with each other. Thus, in the latter case, the pieces ofhardware may be a system comprising a base station and other devices; orthe devices may be collectively considered to be a base station.

In FIG. 10, a method 1000 is shown according to one embodiment. Themethod may be carried out in any desired environment, including thoseshown in FIGS. 1-7.

In operation 1002, an outgoing telephone call is initiated. This may beperformed by dialing a telephone number, including an area code andcountry code, if applicable, on a handset, a terrestrial telephone, or amobile telephone.

In operation 1004, it is determined if the outgoing telephone call islocal or long distance. This may be determined, at least in part, on thearea code and/or country code dialed.

In operation 1006, if the outgoing call is long distance, the method1000 proceeds to operation 1008. If the outgoing telephone call is notlong distance (e.g., a local telephone call), the method 1000 proceedsto operation 1014.

In operation 1008, it is determined if the Mobile Telephone Network isavailable, e.g., the network is accessible and a telephone call may beplaced, including checking an available amount of minutes in a mobiletelephone account.

In operation 1010, if the Mobile Telephone Network is available, themethod 1000 proceeds to operation 1012. If the Mobile Telephone Networkis not available, the method proceeds to operation 1014.

In operation 1012, the outgoing telephone call is placed via the MobileTelephone Network. This may save money for a user since long distancecalls are generally not charged extra on a mobile network.

In operation 1014, the outgoing telephone call is placed via theTerrestrial Telephone Network. This may save money since generally,terrestrial local calls are not charged toll or usage charges.

Of course, more or alternate steps may be included in the method 1000 asseen fit by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, inaddition or in the alternative, operation 1008 may include determiningwhether a call made using the Mobile Telephone Network is more or lessexpensive than making the call using the Terrestrial Telephone Network.In operation 1010, then, the less expensive option is selected.

In some more embodiments, the terrestrial telephone may ring when anincoming call is received on the terrestrial telephone connection and/orwhen an incoming call is received on the mobile telephone connection.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of an embodiment should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a base station wirelesslyconnected to a first handset and a second handset, the base stationcomprising: a first communication port configured to create a wirelessconnection to a first mobile telephone and a second mobile telephone viaBluetooth, where the first mobile telephone uses a first mobiletelephone network and the second mobile telephone uses a second mobiletelephone network; a second communication port configured to create aterrestrial telephone connection to a first telephone network; aprocessing circuit coupled to the first communication port and thesecond communication port; and a display; wherein the base station isconfigured to provide voice communications between the first handset andthe second handset without using the first mobile telephone network, thesecond mobile telephone network, or the first telephone network; whereinthe base station retrieves a first contact list from the first mobiletelephone and a second contact list from the second mobile telephone,and sends information from the first contact list and the second contactlist to a memory of the first handset and the second handset; whereinthe base station is configured to receive a first incoming call via thefirst communication port, and send the first incoming call to one ormore of the first handset and the second handset; wherein the basestation is configured to receive a second incoming call via the secondcommunication port, and send the second incoming call to one or more ofthe first handset and the second handset; wherein the base station isconfigured to receive a request to place an outgoing call from the firsthandset or the second handset, determine whether the outgoing call is tobe sent via the first mobile telephone network, the second mobiletelephone network, or the first telephone network, based on one or morefactors, and select one of the first mobile telephone network, thesecond mobile telephone network, or the first telephone network forsending the outgoing call; wherein the base station receives the firstincoming call via the first mobile telephone, determines a wirelessproximity of the first mobile telephone to the base station, and sendsthe first incoming call to one or more of the first handset and thesecond handset, only when the wireless proximity of the first mobiletelephone is within a predetermined wireless proximity to the basestation.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first handset and thesecond handset further include: a rechargeable battery, buttons fordialing numbers, and an antenna for linking to the base station.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the base station is further configured toshow a signal strength of a mobile network, a time of day, and a currentdate on the display of the base station.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the base station is further configured to output on the displayan amount of battery life remaining for the first and second mobiletelephones.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mobile telephonenetwork is a GSM network, and the second mobile telephone network is aCDMA network.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first handset andthe second handset each include a display for showing call information,phone numbers, contact details, and battery life.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein the first handset and the second handset each include thememory for storing the first contact list, the second contact list, andan incoming call list.